Issue 13
June 5, 2003
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NATA Safety 1st e-Line Service News
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Welcome to the NATA Safety 1st e-Line Service newsletter,
a quarterly summary of the latest NATA Safety 1st news
and education, dedicated to line service staff. Please
make copies available to all line service technicians,
both full and part-time.
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In this Issue of NATA Safety 1st e-Line Service ...
**** NATA Safety 1st Program and Other NATA News
****Featured Safety Article... Changes Pending in Storage Tank Regulations
****FAQ --- NATA Safety 1st and Fueling Issues
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****NATA Safety 1st Program and Other NATA News
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PROGRAM NEWS
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NATA Safety 1st information is available online. We have a new
telephone number dedicated to the NATA Safety 1st Program.
Please call (703) 575-2045 and ask for Amy Koranda or Louis Soares .
Our FAX number is still the same at (703) 845-8176.
NATA Safety 1st has its own website at http://www.natasafety1st.org
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Check it out! There is information on training, testing, continuing
education (including past issues of the e-Line), program information
and additional links for line techs.
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Tom Slavin, Distinguished Service Award Winner
The association's industry excellence awards were presented at the Convention during a luncheon on Tuesday, May 13 in Las Vegas. The Distinguished Service Award went to Thomas P. Slavin, President of Million Air - Cleveland. Tom was instrumental in the development of the NATA Safety 1st Program, and Million Air - Cleveland was the first FBO to complete the NATA Safety 1st Program. Our heartiest congratulations go out to Tom.
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Koranda Educates Regional Schedulers and Dispatchers
Amy Koranda made a presentation on the NATA Safety 1st Program to the Tri-State Area Dispatchers (TADS) in Wilmington, DE on June 3rd. Trish Jones, chair of TADs, welcomed the presentation on Safety 1st as an educational session for all members of the committee. Information will be taken back and shared with crews to be on the lookout for the NATA Safety 1st logo. This information will give corporate flight departments and crews additional reasons to visit your FBO. They want assurance that their aircraft will receive safe, professional handling on the ground. We have assured them that our NATA Safety 1st participants have been trained to do so! The rest is up to you! We know you are going to do a great job.
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Have you heard….. NATA's SAFETY 1ST PROGRAM EXCEEDS 500 FBOs
Alexandria, VA, March 13, 2003 - More than 500 FBOs throughout the United States now have line-service technicians who have passed the NATA Safety 1st certification program. Safety 1st FBOs are located in each of the 50 states.
FBOs become NATA Safety 1st certified when 100 percent of their line staff (both full-time and part-time) pass an exhaustive written and practical exam covering every aspect of fueling and marshalling aircraft safely.
Many of the participating FBOs have trained their staff using NATA's Professional Line Service Training (PLST) program, comprising nine video modules and written material. The training tapes cover such topics as ground servicing; customer service; safety; refueling piston, turboprop and jet aircraft; towing; fire safety and fuel farm management. With its strong emphasis on aircraft movement and towing, NATA Safety 1st and the PLST have been endorsed by major insurance companies as the industry standard for line service training. A tenth module on aircraft security will be released in 2003.
In addition to the video training, NATA publishes Aircraft Ground Service Guide and Aircraft Towing Guide, the only books of their type in the industry. These guides serve as reference publications for FBOs, airports and aircraft operators alike and supplement the Safety 1st and PLST training materials.
Major fuel suppliers also have endorsed Safety 1st as their recommended training. AirBP, Phillips Petroleum and Chevron/Texaco all recognize the need for initial and recurrent safety training and acknowledge the Safety 1st program as an excellent program for their distributors and customers.
The cost is $500 for all nine tapes plus a trainer's guide and individual career workbook. Individual technician fees for testing and certification are $100 per person.
For information on participating in the NATA Safety 1st program, contact Amy Koranda, NATA manager, education and training at 703/575-2045 or email Amy Koranda .
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NATA, the VOICE OF AVIATION BUSINESS, is the public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses before Congress and the federal agencies.
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The following article gives insight on some very important Safety 1st isues…we will be emphasizing ground accidents/incidents in the very near future…
Ground Mishaps to General Aviation Aircraft
Author: Bill Welbourn, Senior Vice President
United States Aviation Underwriters, Inc.
Reprinted with Permission
… THE PROBLEM
There is a recurring problem in the General Aviation world - GROUND DAMAGE TO AIRCRAFT BY VEHICLES, TUGS AND OTHER AIRCRAFT. The last several years have seen a dramatic increase in this type of loss, which includes not only direct damage to the aircraft, but also the attendant loss of use and diminution of value. These consequential losses, in fact, sometimes exceed the direct damage loss in terms of insurance dollars paid out.
THE RISK ENVIRONMENT
Why are we having these ground damage losses? Well, aircraft sales, especially of the high value jet variety, have risen. A large number of our corporate clients have new aircraft on order, the fractional ownership business is booming and the air taxi operators face increased demands to serve their current customers, as well as to provide back-up "lift" for the fractionals. All of the additional aircraft are competing for space on increasingly congested aprons and hangars at the FBO's. The problem becomes exacerbated when you consider the footprint of these new aircraft - the G-V, the Global Express, and now the Boeing Business Jet. Add to this mix an economy which continues to support a low unemployment rate, which in turn reduces the experience levels of line personnel, and you have all the ingredients for a continued problem.
WHAT'S BEING DONE
The Insurance Industry has taken a number of steps to address the ground damage problem:
· AIG Aviation, W. Brown & Associates, Phoenix Aviation Managers and USAIG all met with the NATA last Fall and came out in support of their "NATA Safety 1stâ" and their newly purchased and enhanced ATI curriculum, which are programs of training for line service personnel. The Underwriting community is currently exploring ways to provide every FBO line person with the opportunity to take part in this valuable training curriculum.
·Underwriters and Producers have met with their policyholders and have made numerous seminar presentations on the subject of Safety Awareness as it relates ground handling of aircraft. We've reminded the FBO's of the importance of having the right equipment for the job, using the equipment properly and keeping their personnel trained and tested on each model of aircraft they're handling. We've also reminded the aircraft operators to be responsible for any movements of their aircraft. If their S.O.P. is to ride the brakes when aircraft are towed, then they should do it. And, we've reminded them to stay with their aircraft, as often as possible, during any ground movements, especially when they're unfamiliar with the standards of the ground handler.
· Insurance policy incentives have been put in place based on the use of storage and handling agreements which eliminate or limit the damages for which the FBO is potentially responsible, such as the use of hold harmless provisions for direct and/or consequential losses and waivers of subrogation for aircraft physical damage claims above a specified value. Higher deductibles and self-insured retentions for Property Damage claims have also been employed to control the insurance cost.
THE NEXT STEP
Despite the keen focus on the ground handling loss problem by Insureds, Industry Trade Organizations, Underwriters and Producers, the losses persist. So, we've asked the FBO's with exemplary experience to what they attribute their success. The common denominator seems to be this - you can have the right equipment, the right techniques and the right training, but what ties it all together is "hands-on" supervision, which starts with owners and upper level management. These key people need to be visible and emphatic in what's expected regarding handling aircraft. They have to also translate these expectations into a well-supervised risk environment. Having the proper number of supervisors to workers is an element most FBO's overlook, forgetting that supervision not only includes monitoring and educating less senior personnel, but also means taking control of any and all vehicle movements on the apron. It means questioning whether there is really a need for delivery vans and limos to go on the tarmac and, if so, utilizing a "follow me" vehicle to direct these limos and vans to the aircraft and then back to the exit. It means reminding line personnel to SLOW DOWN. It is amazing how many people, after a loss, say they were rushing to get the job done quickly in order to please the client. One FBO owner addressed this issue best when he said"…moving the aircraft right away is good, but moving it the right way is better." Ultimately, like most successful businesses, it means putting your thumbprint on all aspects of your operations and enjoying the support of those tasked with identifying and implementing your mission.
As underwriters… we are advocates and promoters of this "hands-on" supervision strategy to promote aviation safety in the form of reduced ground handling losses.
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2003 Aircraft Ground Service Guide (AGSG)
Why not make this publication available for sale at your facility? Purchases of 25 or more copies of this pocketsize publication can be made for $19.95. They can be sold for the retail price of $24.95. If you'd care to order 25 or more copies to sell at your facility, email Amy Koranda or Louis Soares or call us at (703) 575-2045.
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2003 NATA Safety 1st Program Participation…Don't Forget
NATA Safety 1st participants were sent renewal invoices in January this year. If you have not paid this fee, you are not eligible to participate or receive certification. Please make sure to pay this fee so that you can continue to receive the many benefits this great program has to offer.
What do you get for your renewal? You will receive a complimentary copy of the 2003 Aircraft Ground Service Guide (AGSG) and the PLST CD ROM with the latest program changes. (Please note: the CD ROM is being sent to current subscribers of the PLST only.) Also, current participants will receive the upcoming Security module that was previewed at the Convention.
Not sure if you have renewed? Just email Amy Koranda or Louis Soares or call us at (703) 575-2045.
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NATA Safety 1st PLST Security Module
The 10th module for the NATA Safety 1st Professional Line Service Training Program is nearly finished. All 2003 NATA Safety 1st participants will receive a copy of the video and supplemental reading material. The video got very good reviews from the Business Management Committee in Las Vegas during the Convention. It is currently being edited and will be in production for several weeks. The video and new CD ROM will be mailed to each participant in late summer.
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VERY IMPORTANT CHANGE FOR YOUR 2003 AIRCRAFT GROUND SERVICE GUIDE (AGSG)
If you purchased a 2003 AGSG, you may have a page on
the Diamond Katana that needs to be corrected. Please look at page 238
to check the information. If you have incorrect data on the aircraft,
please cut out the following information and put it in your book. We apologize
for this error.
DIAMOND KATANA
Fuel
Avgas
Fuel Capacity: 20.9 US Gal. (79L)
Performance
Seating - 2
Ceiling - 17,600 ft (5,364 m)
Takeoff Distance (50', sl, isa) 1,425 ft (434 m)
Landing Distance (50', sl, isa) 1,532 ft (467 m)
Weights
Empty - 1,095 lbs (497 kg)
Take-Off - 1,609 lbs (730 kg)
Landing - 1,609 lbs (730 kg)
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NATA NEWS
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2003 NATA CONVENTION DRAWS EXCELLENT ATTENDANCE AND DYNAMIC SESSIONS
The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) wrapped up its Annual Convention in Las Vegas May 13 - 15, 2003 with excellent attendance and a roster of superb speakers and sessions.
"I don't think you could have asked for better or more informative speakers," said NATA president James Coyne. "The insight gained from the CEOs sharing their thoughts on key industry issues at the Strategic Issues Breakfast alone made the entire week extremely worthwhile for all of our members."
Bombardier Business Aircraft president Peter Edwards, Eclipse CEO Vern Raburn, Dassault Falcon Jet president John Rosanvallon, Raytheon Aircraft CEO Jim Schuster, Gulfstream president of aircraft services Larry Flynn, and The New Piper Aircraft CEO Chuck Suma took part in a lively roundtable discussion on everything from when the new aircraft sales market might rebound to the changing fractional market.
Additionally, sessions were held on airport community relations, general aviation security, insurance and risk management, and fatigue management for air cargo operators. Customer service guru Scott Gross presented a session on "Disruptive Technologies and Opportunities for Aviation Service Businesses."
And it's never too early to plan for the NATA 2004 Annual Convention & AS3/GSE Trade May 18 - 20, 2004 at the Las Vegas Convention Center & Las Vegas Hilton.
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Aviation Business Journal Coming Soon
The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) will launch a new publication, Aviation Business Journal next month. The quarterly publication, which aims to provide NATA members with business management information that will help them run more effective and profitable aviation service businesses, will initially be mailed to NATA's 2,000-plus members.
Feature articles in Aviation Business Journal will explore issues pertaining
to NATA members' five primary profit centers: fuel and line services,
aircraft charter and management, aircraft maintenance, flight training
and airline services, in addition to global topics that pertain to all
NATA members. Regular columns in the Journal will cover safety and risk
management, marketing and sales, technology, safety and risk management,
operations, airport relations, human resources, finance and technology
issues, NATA member news, practical ideas that work, and industry news
and insights. Experienced aviation writers and experts in particular business
areas will author the articles.
An Aviation Business Journal media kit is now available.
For information on advertising in Aviation Business Journal, contact Cheryl
Stratos or Marnie Murphy at 703/212-4967 or adsales@nata-online.org.
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SEMINAR NEWS
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Please remember the Line Service Supervisor Training Seminar
(LSST) is a required part of the NATA Safety 1st Program. If you
have already sent someone from your business, please feel free to
skip to the next paragraph. If not, it is required that one person
from your line service, usually the supervisor, attend an LSST. And remember,
as long as that person remains with your company,
the LSST requirement has been met for Safety 1st .
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The next LSST will be held in Sarasota, FL at the Ritz Carlton, hosted
by the Florida Aviation Trade Association . The next scheduled LSST will
be held in September. Check our Calendar of Events for additional dates
and locations. Hotel, seminar, registration and shuttle information is
available online.
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Let us hear from you ... If you'd like to share something with other NATA
Safety 1st participants, send an email to Amy Koranda with information
and/or pictures for the NATA e-Line and website.
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****Featured Safety Article...
CHANGES PENDING IN STORAGE TANK REGULATIONS
Walter Chartrand, Technical Operations Training Manager
Email: Walter Chartrand
Website: Air BP
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As part of this e-Line, we will include an educational article.
Most of the articles will provide continuing education on issues
of importance to line service. In addition, if you are currently
taking the NATA Safety 1st written and practical exams, these
articles will make great study material. Feel free to copy them
and maintain a book for future reference.
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Changes Pending in Storage Tank Regulations
This is the first of series of articles designed to warn about changes in the EPA regulations pertaining to the storage of aviation fuels. The changes we see coming will impact above and below ground tanks. We will relate changes in the Federal regulations. States are required to adopt these regulations entirely, or make them tougher! We advise that you consult your State and Local authorities to ensure you are in compliance.
Who is required to have an SPCC?
The primary EPA rule governing the storage of hazardous substances, such as aviation fuels, is the "Oil Pollution Prevention Rule" Title 40 CFR Part 112. This legislation addresses the subject of preventing the uncontrolled discharge of petroleum products. It details the need for a Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan. Owners and/or operators of all aboveground fuel facilities with an aggregate capacity of 1,320 gallons in containers of 55 gallons and larger or a completely buried storage capacity of greater than 42,000 gallons, are required to have their own SPCC plan.
What is an SPCC Plan?
While the preparation of the SPCC plan is the responsibility of the owner/operator, it must be certified by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). The PE must be familiar with 40 CFR Part 112 and have visited /examined the fuel storage and handling facility, and then develop a plan that must be adequate for the facility and takes into consideration good engineering practices, including consideration of applicable industry standards.
Changes to SPCC requirements
Owner/operators of facilities in operation on or before August 16, 2002 must already have and maintain an SPCC Plan. The regulation now requires that the SPCC plan include procedures for tank inspections and testing and the plan must be amended if necessary to ensure compliance with theses changes. This must be completed on or before August 18, 2004 and must be implemented as soon as possible but, no later than February, 18, 2005. Although this may be news to many of us, this rule was initially inserted into the Federal Register on July 17, 2002 and a copy may be viewed at the following EPA website: www.epa.gov/oilspill.
What should the amended SPCC include?
Once developed, the SPCC should include a Professional Engineers Certification which cross references 40 CFR 112.7. It should have a diagram of the facility that illustrates spill predictions, facility drainage, and site security. The physical site must have appropriate secondary containment or diversionary structures. The tank must have regular brittle fracture evaluations and comply with all bulk storage container requirements. Furthermore, the SPCC Plan must have management's approval and incorporate a schedule to review the SPCC Plan every five (5) years to ensure compliance. The SPCC Plan should also include a schedule of inspection of the facility by a Certified Inspector. This certified inspector shall be trained to industry standards and conduct a thorough inspection of the tank and all associated equipment every Ten (10) years unless defects are discovered requiring re-inspection at five (5) year intervals.
How can we help?
There are several requirements related to these EPA regulations that, as a fuel supplier, we can help you with, including;
Periodic facility inspection
Truck loading/unloading requirements and procedures
Personnel training on spill prevention and proper fuel transfer procedures
Required Equipment
The one common link throughout all these new requirements is the need to document that all the required inspections and maintenance is being done. The next article addressing this subject will detail the various different types of fuel storage tanks and how the regulations pertain to them.
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****FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) --- NATA Safety 1st
and Fueling Issues
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This section will help you with the paperwork and study
process.
In addition, we will include other questions about fueling issues
that are frequently asked. If you have any tips to share, please
submit them to us and we will include them in upcoming e-Lines.
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I have finished the NATA Safety 1st Professional Line
Service Training Program and want to make sure each
of my line technicians receives a certificate.
What do I do next?
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In the Trainer's Guide, you have two sections you need to look at.
First, look at Section IV Certification Procedures. This lists all the
requirements that need to be fulfilled before an application can be
submitted. Next, refer to Appendix G for the appropriate paperwork.
In appendix G there are two documents that need to be filled-out and submitted.
The first is the Line Service Specialist Certification Form
and the second is the Test Applicant Information. After completing both
pages, you can send the information either by mail or fax.
There is also a checklist on the back of the January
2003 PLST
CD ROM that outlines these steps as well.
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How will our customers know that we are NATA Safety
1st participants?
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Your company will receive a certificate of recognition when all
your line technicians have trained and tested. We understand
that training and testing are often ongoing, but when all of your
original staff have completed the program, let us know and we will
get your certificate to you.
In addition to displaying your company certificate, you
will receive
a NATA Safety 1st decal to put in your window. It's very important
that you put these on the door so that incoming crews and passengers
will know of your participation.
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How can I comply with Part 139 fire certification?
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NATA offers two ways to obtain 139, fire certification. One
way is with the NATA Safety 1st PLST Program. Module 9
contains the Fire Safety video and supplemental training
materials. After viewing the video, passing the written exam
with a 90% or better and passing the practical exam with a 100%,
you can submit the paperwork and receive certification.
(Applicable paperwork and requirements can be found in
Section IV Certification Procedures and Appendix G.)
The second option to obtain a 139, fire certification
is by
attending the Line Service Supervisor Training seminar.
The seminar reviews all the Part 139.321 requirements.
Attendees must follow-up with the hands-on portion at their
facility with the local fire authority, return the paperwork to NATA
and then the certification will be issued.
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In the each e-Line, we ask you to share safety information or s
tatistics about how the NATA Safety 1st Program has impacted
your business. Please keep information coming our way! We
really think you are doing a great job of keeping those lines safe.
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The NATA Safety 1st e-Line Service newsletter is distributed
quarterly. We welcome your feedback on this newsletter and
any topics you would like to see discussed. Send articles/email
to Amy Koranda .
Thank you for your commitment to line service safety...
keep those ramps safe .